Born in Skelleftehamn, Silvstedt was raised in a family of five in Bollnäs, having one older sister and one younger brother. She was keen on horseback riding and wanted to become a veterinarian.
Silvstedt’s father was the captain of a local ski team, and she started alpine skiing at the age of five. In 1989, Silvstedt placed fourth at a youth championship in the giant slalom won by Pernilla Wiberg. However, an accident in the middle of a skiing competition where she injured her shoulder ended Silvstedt’s competitive skiing career at the age of 16.
A few years later, Silvstedt was invited to participate in the Miss Sweden beauty pageant, after her mother and sister had sent some pictures of her to the pageant officials.
Victoria Silvstedt official website